Page contents Page contents Our commitment The European Commission is committed, through the EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020–2030, to promoting equality, inclusion and participation of Roma, with a strong focus on combating antigypsyism, preserving the memory of the Roma Holocaust, and strengthening communication and awareness-raising activities. Campaigns Communication campaigns support the promotion of Roma equality, inclusion and participation, while contributing to the fight against antigypsyism. Roma on par Equal opportunities – Let’s make it a reality for all! Key moments for communication activities Communication activities are linked to key commemorative and awareness-raising dates, which provide opportunities for press statements, social media campaigns and public engagement. These include: 27 January – International Holocaust Remembrance Day8 April – International Roma Day16 May – Roma Resistance Day2 August – European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day5 November – International Day of the Romani Language Roma Holocaust remembrance Holocaust remembrance is a central element of efforts to combat antigypsyism and promote equality. Remembering the persecution and genocide of Roma during the Second World War is essential to understanding Europe’s history and reinforcing the values of human rights, democracy, rule of law and non-discrimination on which the European Union is built. Every year on 2 August – European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, the European Commission pays tribute to Roma victims and reaffirms its commitment to fighting antigypsyism, racism and all forms of intolerance. The Commission also marks 27 January – International Holocaust Remembrance Day, ensuring that the memory of Roma victims is recognised as part of Europe’s shared history. The European Union has played a key role in advancing recognition of the Roma Holocaust, notably through the 2015 European Parliament resolution establishing 2 August as a day of remembrance, followed by Council conclusions encouraging Member States to commemorate the Roma genocide in accordance with their national practices. The European Commission also commemorates the Roma victims of the Holocaust in the wider context of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, on 27 January. See the full Statement by President von der Leyen ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On 2 August 2019, Vice-President Věra Jourová joined the commemoration ceremony in Auschwitz-Birkenau to mark the 75th anniversary of the extermination of the last remaining Roma in the concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. On 2 August 2020, President Ursula von der Leyen launched an appeal to EU member states to protect today’s minorities from discrimination and racism. In a joint statement with Vice-President Věra Jourová and Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli, she said, “We consider it a moral duty to acknowledge and remember all those who suffered under the Nazi regime: among those people were the Roma.” Commissioner Dalli was the main speaker at the official virtual Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony of the European Holocaust Memorial Day of Roma and Sinti, at the initiative of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma. Read her full speech here. Examples of communication activities EU-supported communication activities contribute to raising awareness, addressing stereotypes and supporting Roma equality, inclusion and participation. Examples include: Educational and awareness-raising initiativesMedia engagement activitiesCooperation between local and regional authoritiesLocal initiatives developed “for Roma, with Roma”
